Boyfriend Charged in Murder of NYC Nurse After Initial Story Blamed Moped Duo
NEW YORK – A 44-year-old Bronx man has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend after initially claiming that a moped-riding duo attacked her, police said Friday. Franklin Batallas faces charges including murder, two counts of assault, and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the Wednesday night killing of Anthonella Contreras Linarez, 30, on City Island.
Batallas initially told police that he and Linarez were on their way to dinner when they stopped near Rodman’s Neck because he needed to urinate. He alleged that two men on a moped tried to rob Linarez and stabbed her multiple times when she resisted. Batallas said he was slashed in the arm as he tried to intervene.
Linarez, a registered nurse at Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, was rushed to Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital but died from her injuries. Batallas was treated at the same hospital for a forearm stab wound and later linked to the crime.
“The Mount Sinai Health System community is mourning the loss of one of our own,” a hospital spokesperson said, offering condolences to family and colleagues.
Linarez’s father, Marcos Contreras, expressed heartbreak and uncertainty as police investigated the circumstances.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are piecing together evidence that contradicted Batallas’ original story. The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, highlighting the tragedy of Linarez’s untimely death and the evolving nature of the investigation.
Batallas is currently in custody as prosecutors prepare for legal proceedings.
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